Computer switch won't hurt those seeking aid

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- State officials say that unemployed Floridians are responding to news that the state is shutting down the computer used to process jobless claims.

The online system Florida used to process claims went dark at noon Wednesday. The state is switching to a new system that will be up and running on Oct. 15.

People who failed to enter their claims in time may have their payments delayed. A Department of Economic Opportunity official told legislators that the number of people applying for claims spiked earlier this week.

Tom Clendenning, director of workforce services, said that an estimated 87 percent of those expected to file this week had done so by Tuesday.

There are roughly 235,000 people in Florida receiving unemployment benefits that are usually claimed every two weeks.